'Church is like a small family': Regina's Ukrainian community celebrates Christmas despite invasion in Ukraine
CTV
Jan. 7 marks an important day for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Regina, as Christmas Day celebrations begin.
Jan. 7 marks an important day for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Regina, as Christmas Day celebrations begin.
On February 24, 2022, Russian forces began an invasion of Ukraine, forcing many to flee their homes.
For some in Regina’s Ukrainian community, this is the first Christmas they are experiencing in a new place, without some of their loved ones.
"Despite what's happening, you still have to celebrate and try to be grateful to God and what we have and what he has given us,” Nataliya Dyka, a newcomer to Canada, told CTV News.
St. Michael’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church held a celebration Saturday, with many in the community showing up. Those who attended said it was important now more than ever to show their faith, especially for those who remain in Ukraine.
"We rejoicing in this time because Christ is born ... Christ is our hope, our love and our light," Father Vitaliy Ihnativ said.
"We want to tell them that our heart aches for them, and we join together with them and we feel their pain," added Nataliya, a member of the choir at St. Michaels.
